Remote controlled setwork for sawmill



I Aug. 15, 1967 w. c DUFTON ETAL REMOTE CONTROLLED SETWORK FOR SAWMILL Filed June 21, 1965 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 my? 9; w

SOURCE PRE SSURI ZED FLUID WILLIAM C. DU FTON WILLIAM E. BROWN ATTORNEY INVENTORS Aug. 15, 1967 w. c. DUFTON ETAL 3,

REMOTE CONTROLLED. SETWORK FOR SAWMILL 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed'June 21, 1965 INVENTORS WILLIAM C. DUF TON WILLIAM E. BROWN N Q hfr ATTORNEY Aug. 15, 1967 w. c. DUFTON ET-AL REMOTE CONTROLLED SETWORK FOR SAWMILL 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 21, 1965 INVENTORS WILLIAM .C. DUFTON WILLIAM E. BROWN ATTORNEY Aug. 15, 1967 .w. c. DUFT ON ETAL 3,335,770

' REMOTE CONTROLLED SETWORK FOR SAWMILL 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTCRS WILLIAM C DUFTONV WILLIAM E.BROWN ATTORNEY 1967 w. c. DUFTON ETAL 3,335,770

REMOTE CONTROLLED SETWORK FOR SAWMILL Filed June 21, 1965 8 S'heetsSheet INVENTORS WILLIAM C. DUFTON WILLIAM E.BROWN ATTOR NE Aug. 15 19 67 w. DUFTQN ETAL 3,

REMOTE CONTROLLED SETW ORK FOR SAWMILL Filed June 21,. 1965 8 Shets-Sheet c A INVENTORs WILLIAM c. DUFTON WILLIAM E. BROWN ATTORNEY Aug. 15, 1967, I w. c. DuFToIu ETAL 3,335,770

REMOTE CONTROLLED SETWORK FOR SAWMILL-L Filed June 21, 1965 Y 8 SheetsSheet FORWARD 3-9 LIMIT SWITCH CLUTCH SETTING SWITCHES f JUNCT ON BOX us INVENTORS wILLIAM c. DUFTON WILLIAM E. BROWN ATTORNEY Aug. 15, 1967 w. c. DUFTON ETAL 3,335,770

REMOTE CONTROLLED SETWORK FOR.SAWMII.1L

Filed June 21, 1965 V 8 Sheets-Sheet a INDICATOR LIGHT ROTARY SWITCH DIRECT CURRENT RECTIFIER SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL RMINAL at P f Q WE 5 TERMNAL L LL RELAY COIL WILLIAM c I lgi l l r a LG I WILLIAM E. BROWN ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,335,770 REMUTE CONTROLLED SETWORK FOR SAWMILL William C. Dufton and William E. Brown, Waynesboro, Pa., assignors to Frick Company, Waynesboro, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed June 21, 1965, Ser. No. 465,533 Claims. (Cl. 143-120) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE For controlling a sawmill having a stationary saw and a reciprocative log supporting and holding carriage, which includes a set shaft for moving a log laterally relative to the saw, a remote controlled setwork which is provided with a rotary fluid motor for rotating the set shaft, electrically actuated control valve operating to control flow of pressurized fluid to the set shaft motor, an electrical control system remote from the carriage but connected to the control valve, and a controller mounted on the carriage. The controller comprises a controller shaft connected to and rotated upon rotation of the set shaft so as to linearly move a switch tripping member into engagement with at least one electric switch which is connected to the control valve to cause actuation of the latter. The switch is operative, upon engagement of the tripping member, to cause the control valve to close and thereby effect cessation of rotation of the set shaft motor.

This invention relates to sawmills and more particularly to a remote controlled setwork for sawmills.

Heretofore, remote controlled setworks for sawmills, which setworks control the displacement of a log to be cut relative to the cutting plane of the saw blade, have been relatively complex mechanisms, sluggish in response to control signals and required a fairly high degree of skill to operate properly. Another disadvantage of presently known remote controlled setworks for sawmills is the problem of overloading, overheating and contamination of electrical drive motors. Existing remote controlled setworks are exemplified in the United States patents to Balch, et al., No. 2,696,853 and to Hult, No. 2,574,393.

Accordingly, it is one of the objects of this invention to provide in a sawmill a remotely controlled setwork which is relatively simple in construction and reacts rapidly and accurately in response to control signals.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote controlled sawmill setwork which is capable of producing a multiplicity of successive cuts of logs of substantially equal dimensions.

A further object of this invention is to provide a sawmill having a remote controlled setwork where the problem of drive motor overheating, overloading and dust contamination is obviated.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a remote controlled sawmill setwork which is simple and easy to operate.

It is, therefore, contemplated by this invention to provide in a sawmill having a stationary saw a remote controlled setwork for positioning logs to be cut relative to the cutting plane of the saw. The setwork is cooperatively associated with a conventional sawmill log supporting and holding carriage which is suitable mounted for reciprocative movement relative to the cutting plane of the saw. The log supporting and holding carriage is provided with conventional headblock and knee assemblies which are constructed and arranged to grip a log to be cut and move the log laterally, through a driven set shaft, relative to the carriage and the cutting plane of the saw. The remote controlled setwork, according to this inven- 3,335,77fi Patented Aug. 15, 1967 ice tion, comprises a set shaft actuating and control unit mounted upon the log supporting and holding carriage and connected to the set shaft to effect rotation and control the amount of rotation of the set shaft and thereby laterally move the log a predetermined distance relative to the saw. The remote control setwork also includes an electrical selector switch assembly and control switch assembly remotely located with respect to the log supporting and holding carriage, which switch assemblies are electrically connected with the set shaft actuating and control unit so that a sawyer can preselect the amount of lateral movement of the log and effect such movement. The set shaft actuating and control unit includes a reversible, fluid actuated, rotary motor connected to a suitable source of pressurized fluid, the flow of pressurized fluid to the motor being controlled by electrically opera tive valves which respond to actuation of the control switch assembly.

The invention will be more fully understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sawmill having a remote controlled setwork according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the set shaft actuating and control unit of the setwork shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the set shaft actuating and control unit on a slightly smaller scale than shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 44 of FIG. 2, on a somewhat enlarged scale;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the set shaft actuating and control unit as viewed along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, looking in the direction shown by the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 66 of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic Wiring diagrams of the remote controlled setwork according to this invention, FIG. 7 showing the electrical circuit associated with the set shaft actuating and control unit and the control switches, while FIG. 8 shows the electrical circuit associated with the selector switch assembly.

Now referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1 in which is shown the general details of a conventional sawmill. As shown, the sawmill comprises a log deck 10, a saw 12, a log supporting and holding carriage 14 mounted upon rails 16 for reciprocative movement relative to saw 12. The sawmill is provided with a remote control setwork according to this invention, which remote control setwork includes a set shaft actuating and control unit 18 and a remotely positioned selector switch assembly 20 and control switch assembly 22.

The log supporting and holding carriage 14 comprises a framework which is supported by wheels 24 on rails 16. The carriage 14 is provided with any suitable means, such as cables 26 and 28, for effecting reciprocative movement of the carriage on rails 16 relative to saw 12. A pair of spaced headblocks 30 extend transversely of the car.- riage to receive and support logs L to be cut. Each headblock has an upstanding knee 32 mounted for slidable movement longitudinally thereon. Each knee 32 has a retractable dog 34 which grips a log L to be cut and secure the latter as it is being cut by saw 12, along the plane of out 8-8. Longitudinal movement of knees 32 on headblocks 30 may be achieved by any suitable means, such as lead screws 36, which are connected to a set shaft 38 journalled in bearings mounted on the framework of carriage 14. As shown, set shaft 38 is rotatively driven by a reversible, fluid actuated, rotary motor 40 which forms part of the set shaft actuating and control unit 18 and is mounted on spaced parallel frame elements 42 of carriage 14.

Each log L is delivered on to headblocks 30 of carriage 14 by log deck 10 which comprises spaced deck skids 44 and cradle-type stop and loaders 46 and 48 actuated by any suitable means (not shown) to stop and then release a log L on to carriage 14 in abutment against knees 32.

To selectively control the movement and the amount of linear movement of logs L on carriage 14 relative to the saw and the plane of cut S-S, the aforedescribed sawmill is provided with a remote controlled setwork according to this invention which comprises the set shaft actuating and control unit 18 on carriage 14, selector switch assembly 20 and control switch assembly 22 remotely located at a sawyer operation station 50. The set shaft actuating and control unit 18 and the selector switch assembly 20 and control switch assembly are interconnected by a flexible electrical cable 52, while selector switch and control switch assemblies are connected together by electric cable 54. As shown in FIG. 1, fluid motor 40 is connected to a suitable source of pressurized fluid 56, as for example, an air compressor, by flexible conduit means 58 As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, fluid motor 40 is secured to the vertical portion of Z shaped plate 60 which is secured to frame elements 42 of carriage 14. Plate 60 is stiffened by end plates 62 which are secured, as by welding to opposite edges of plate 60 and to frame elements 42. Motor 40 has a drive shaft 64 on which is mounted a drive sprocket 66. A driven sprocket wheel 68 is secured to set shaft 38 and is rotatively driven by drive sprocket 66 through a chain 70 extending between the two sprockets (see FIG. A slot 72 is provided in plate 60 to permit the passage of chain 72 (see FIG. 3). To insure that set shaft 38 will stop after the proper amount of rotation without any coasting or override and prevent premature rotation, an electro-magnetic brake 74 is connected to drive shaft 64 of motor 40.

To automatically regulate the amount of rotation of set shaft 18 and hence the amount of lateral displacement of log L relative to the plane 8-5 of saw 12, set shaft actuating and control unit 18 includes an electromechanical controller 76. Controller 76 comprises a housing secured to the top surface of a horizontal portion of Z shaped plate 60 above motor 40 (see FIG. 5). The housing consists of a bottom 77, four contiguous side walls 78, 79, 80 and 81 and a lid 82 hingedly connected to side wall 79. Lid 82 is secured in a closed position by holddown bolts 83 (FIGS. 2 and 6-). Journalled for rotation within the housing is a shaft 84 which extends through side wall 80 and is connected at its distal end to one part of an electro-magnetic clutch 86'. Another shaft 88 I is connected at one end to the other part of clutch 86 and is journalled in bearings 90 in coaxial alignment with shaft 84. At the end of shaft 88 opposite from clutch 86 is mounted a sprocket 92. As best shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, sprocket 92 is driven by a chain 94 which engages a sprocket 96 mounted on set shaft 38. Within the housing of controller 76 a pinion gear 98 is secured to shaft 84 so as to mesh with a toothed rack supported for linear movement by a guide rod 102 connected to the housing side walls. The rack 100 carries a switch actuating or tripping bar 104 which extends normal to the rack. As best shown in FIG. 4, full linear movement of rack 100 within the controller housing is provided for by an extension 81A to side wall 81. A plurality of electric setting switches 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 5-5, 5-6, 8-7, S-8 are suspended from the underside of hinged lid 82 (FIGS. 2, 4 and 6). Each of the switches is secured to an angle iron 106 which is adjustably affixed to lid 82 by a pair of wing nuts 108. Wing nuts 108 pass through elongated slots 110 in lid 82, which slots extend parallel to the path of travel of rack 160. By loosening wing nuts 108 associated with each setting switch 8-1 to 8-8, each electric switch can be positioned relative to each other and with respect to tripping bar 104. The setting switches 8-1 to 8-8 are connected into an electric control circuit and function to control the amount of rotation of set shaft 38, as will be hereinafter more fully explained. Also suspended to the underside of hinged lid 82 is a safety or limit switch 8-9 which only becomes operative in the event of malfunction of any one of the setting switches 5-1 to S-8 and switch tripping bar 104 is carried beyond setting switches 5-1 to 5-8. Each of the switches 8-1 to 5-9 has an actuating roller 112 which is positioned in the path of switch tripping bar 104 so as to be engaged by the latter and thereby open the electric circuit through the associated switch. The electrical leads (not shown) from each of the setting switches 8-1 to 8-9 are connected into a cable 114 which is connected to a junction box 116 (see FIG. 3). A cable 75 also connects the magnetic brake 74 with junction box 116, while a cable connects the junction box with electric magnetic clutch 86 (see FIGS. 3 and 7). The junction box 116 is, in turn, connected through electrical cable 52 to selector switch assembly 20 and a source of electrical current (not shown). A dust cover 118 is mounted on lid 82 to prevent entry of saw dust and other foreign particles into controller 76 through slots 110.

To bias rack and switch tripping bar 104 in the starting or neutral position shown in full lines in FIG. 4, a pressurized fluid, cylinder-piston mechanism 120 is mounted in the bottom of controller 76 and is connected to rack 180 via a pair of brackets 122. One end of each of the brackets 122 is connected to rack 100 while the opposite ends of each bracket 122 is connected to the piston rod 124 of the piston (not shown) of the cylinderpiston mechanism 120. Pressurized fluid is conducted to the forward end of the cylinder-piston mechanism 120 by Way of line 126 and a pressure regulator 128 to insure a constant predetermined fluid pressure in the forward end of mechanism 128. A line 129 communicates the rear portion of the cylinder-piston mechanism with the atmosphere to prevent the formation of a vacuum in the cylinder as the piston moves forward and to allow the escape of air as the piston moves rearwardly to the neutral position. A flow control valve 130 and an air filter 132 are disposed in line 129. Air filter 132 functions to prevent foreign matter from being sucked into the cylinder-piston mechanism upon forward movement of the piston. As best shown in FIG. 3, pressurized fluid is supplied from the pressurized fluid supply line 58 by way of T connections 133 and lines 134 and 136, the latter line cornmunicating with regulator 128.

To control the operation and direction of rotation of motor 48, a for-ward, solenoid actuated, fluid control valve 138 and a reverse, solenoid actuated, fluid control valve 140 are mounted adjacent motor 41] on angle brackets 142 attached to plate 60. Valves 138 and 140, which are of any suitable design, are in communication with pressurized fluid supply line 58 via line 134 and T connections 133 (see FIG. 3). The valves 138 and 148 are also connected to motor 40 via lines 144 and 146, respectively. The valves 138 and 140 are also electrically connected through electric lines 148 and 150, respectively, with junction box 116. To provide for a considerably faster reverse rotation of motor 40 than the speed of rotation of the motor in a forward direction (movement of the knees 32 into plane S-S of saw 12), reverse fluid control valve 138, through which pressurized fluid is exhausted upon forward rotation of motor 40', is provided with flow restricted exhaust porting (not shown) so that the speed of the motor is reduced by reason of the back pressure created by the restricted exhaust porting.

As schematically shown in the wiring diagrams of FIGS. 7 and 8 and as previously described, set shaft actuating and control unit 18 is electrically connected to and controlled from the selector switch assembly 20 and control switch assembly 22 located at a remote control station 5%). As illustrated, each setting switch 5-1 to S-8 is electrically connected to a pair of electrical contacts T-l, T-2, T-3, T-4, T-S, T-6, T-7, T-8 corresponding to numbers 1 to 8 on selector dial 160 of rotary switch 162 of the selector switch assembly. Thus, positioning selector dial 160 in any one of the eight positions designated on selector switch assembly electrically couples one of the eight control switches S1 to 8-8 of controller 76 to the source of electric current and control switch assembly 22. For example, if dial 160 is turned to position 3 to thereby close the circuit across contacts T-3, setting switch S3 of controller 76 is electrically coupled to selector switch assembly 20 and control switch assembly 22 and main electric supply line 164 which has been connected by closing the main electric switch 166. The closing of the main electrical switch 166- is shown by the illumination of an indicating light 168. Closing main electrical switch 166 to a source of alternating current (not shown) energizes all continuous circuits including relay coil 176 and direct current rectifier 172. The direct current rectifier has a potentiometer 174 to regulate the direct current voltage to permit adjustment of the stopping power of brake 74. With the relay coil 170 energized, contacts are closed, allowing direct current to energize brake 74 so that the motor shaft 64 cannot turn and, therefore, the set shaft 38 and knees 32 cannot move. The brake 74 prevents movement untilthe actuation of double pole, single throw, momentary contact, forward switch 178 or reverse switch 180 similar to switch 178, of the control switch assembly 22 which actuation opens the circuit to relay 170. Actuation of the forward or reverse switches 178 or 180, respectively, also closes the alternating current circuit to the forward control Valve 138 or reverse control valve 148, depending upon which switch is closed so that the motor 40 will be operated. Motor 40 will continue to operate in either the forward or reverse directions as long as switch 178 or 180 is held closed. Operation of motor 40 will rotate set shaft 38 which, in turn, will move knees 32 linearly toward or away from the plane H of saw 12.

Upon opening of the forward switch 178, the alternating current circuit to the forward fluid control valve 138 (FIG. 7) is broken and the valve is de-energized, which allows the valve to close and the motor to cease operating. Simultaneously, the circuit to relay 176 (FIG. 8) is closed, which energizes relay 170 and completes the direct current circuit to brake 74. The brake 74, when energized, stops motor drive shaft 64, sprockets 66, 68 and chain 70 so that set shaft 38 is stopped and hence movement of knees 32.

The forward movement of knees 32 on headblocks 38 may be continued in whatever increments of movement may be desired until the maximum movement of knees 32 on headblocks 30 is reached.

To obtain reverse movement of knees 32, the double pole, single throw momentary contact, reverse switch 180 (FIG. 7) of the control switch assembly 22 is closed which breaks the circuit to relay coil 170 that is connected in series with forward switch 178. By de-energizing relay coil 17 8, the direct current circuit to brake '74 is broken, thereby releasing the motor shaft 64 and set shaft 38 for rotation. Also, de-energization of relay 170 causes the closing of. the alternating current circuit to reverse fluid control valve 140. Energization of valve 140 causes it to open, allowing pressurized fluid to flow into the motor and reverse rotation of motor shaft 64. Rotation of motor shaft 64 effects reverse rotation of set shaft 38 through sprockets 66, 68 and chain 70. Rotation of set shaft 38 causes linear, rearward motion of knees 32 on headblocks 30 (movement in a direction away from the plane S-S of saw 12). Reverse or rearward movement of knees 32 will continue until reverse switch 180 is opened.

When the reverse switch 180 is opened, as by release of the same, the alternating current circuit to reverse fluid control valve 140 is broken and the valve closes. Closing of valve 140 stops rotation of motor 40. Simultaneously, the circuit to relay 170 is closed so that the energization of the relay closes the direct current circuit to brake 74. With direct current flow to brake 74 restored, the brake is actuated to a gripping position to prevent rotation of drive shaft 64 and set shaft 38 until the circuit is closed through actuation of the reverse or forward switches 178 or 180.

To provide for preadjusted and repeated movement of knees 32, switches S-1 to 8-8 of controller 76 must be properly adjusted in their respective slots in lid 82 toward or away from tripping bar 104. Manifestly, adjustment toward tripping bar 104 will result in a decrease in movement necessary before the tripping bar engages the roller 112, while movement away from tripping bar 104 will increase the amount of movement of the tripping bar that is necessary before it will engage rollers 112. This adjustment of switches 8-1 to S-8 also will result in increasing or decreasing the amount of rotation of motor 40 and the proportional linear movement of knees 32. Thus, by adjusting the setting switches 8-1 to S8, any thickness of cut is possible from inch to 6 inches in thickness. After adjustment of setting switches Sl to S8 to provide various desired movements of knees 32, the manual selector dial is turned to the dial number corresponding to the setting switch 5-1 to 3-8 which will provide the desired thickness of cut. This, with main switch 166 closed to the source of electric current, completes a circuit through the normally closed preselected setting switch 8-1 to S8, through contacts T-l to T-2 of rotary switch 162, depending upon the dial setting and also up to the open contacts of relay 170. Thereafter, the momentary set switch 176 of control switch 22 is closed by the sawyer. Closing switch 176 breaks the circuit to relay which, in turn, breaks the direct current flow to electro-magnetic brake 74 and allows free rotation of the motor 40. Simultaneously current flow to relay coil 182 is closed through rotary switch 162 and the selected switch S-1 to 3-8 of the controller while the circuit through forward switch 178 and reverse switch 188 (FIG. 8) is open. By actuating set switch 176, forward fluid control valve 138 is actuated to an open position to thereby cause fluid motor 40 to operate and turn its drive shaft 64 in a forward direction. The shaft, in turn, drives sprocket 66 which eifects rotation of sprocket 68 on set shaft 38 through chain 70. Sprocket 66 turns set shaft 38 which, in turn, through a suitable drive, such as a rack and pinion (not shown), causes knees 32 to move linearly on headblocks 30 toward plane 5-3 of saw 12. Simultaneously, with actuation of set switch 176, relay 182 (FIG. 7) closes the direct current circuit to electro-magnetic clutch 86 so that rotation of shaft 88, in response to rotation of set shaft 38 by means of sprockets 92,, 96 and chain 94 (FIGS. 3 and 5), causes rotation of shaft 84 of controller 76. Rotation of shaft 84 effects linear movement of rack 188 to the left as viewed in FIG. 4 and thereby carries tripping bar 104 toward the selected setting switch Sl to SS. Movement of rack 160 is against a constant fluid pressure supplied through line 126 to cylinder-piston mechanism 128, and is guided in such movement by rod 102. In this condition of operation, forward fluid control valve will remain open and the motor 40 will continue to operate. Thus, set shaft 38 will continue to turn causing knees 32 to move toward the plane SS of saw 12 until tripping bar 164 is carried to engagement with roller 112 of the selected setting switch Sl to S-S. Actuation of roller 112 breaks the circuit that holds relay 182 in an energized position. De-energization of relay 182 closes the circuits through the forward and reverse switches 178 and 188 so that either may be effective at the option of the sawyer. De-energization of relay 182 also breaks the circuit to forward fluid control valve 138 causing the latter to close and the motor to cease turning. In addition, the direct current circuit through relay 170 is closed so that brake 74 is actuated to lock shaft 64 and set shaft 38 against rotation. Thus, movement of knees 32 is stopped with negligible override or coasting. Of course, a fluid motor, as compared to an electric motor, is self-braking, which assists in preventing override. Furthermore, the direct current circuit to clutch 86 is opened so that shaft 84 is disconnected from shaft 88 and is free to rotate. With shaft 88 free to rotate, the pressurized fluid delivered to cylinder 120 through line 126 forces the piston (not shown) of the cylinder-piston mechanism 120 to the right as viewed in FIG. 4. This movement returns rack 160 and tripping bar 104 to its initial or neutral position as shown in full lines in FIG. 4.

The above automatic setting can be repeated by actuation of set switch 176 as often as is desired with the same dimensional linear movement of knees 32 each time as long as selector dial 160 remains in the same position on the control switch assembly 22.

In the event engagement of tripping bar 104 with roller 112 of the selected setting switch 112 does not break the circuit and effect a stoppage of the motor and the knees, a limit switch S-9 (FIG. 7) will function to open the circuit and thereby stop the mechanism before any damage is done to the system.

For ease of assembly terminal strips 180 are employed in the junction box 116 (FIG. 7) and in control switch assembly 22 (FIG. 8).

It is now believed readily apparent that the present invention provides a remote controlled setwork for a sawmill of relatively simple, rugged construction and easily adjusted and operated. It is a remote controlled setwork which responds quickly and accurately to the will of the sawyer. It also provides rapid return of the knees with slower forward movement to permit accurate positioning of the log to be cut.

Although but one embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be expressly understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Various changes can be made in the arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as the same will now be understood by those skilled in the art.

We claim:

1. A remote controlled setwork for a sawmill having a stationary saw and a log supporting and holding carriage mounted for reciprocative movement relative to said saw to effect cutting of a log and comprising log holding means linearly moved by rotation of a set shaft, the remote controlled setwork comprising (a) a pressurized fluid actuated rotary motor connected to rotate said set shaft,

(b) electrically actuated fluid flow control valve means for controlling flow of pressurized fluid to said motor,

() an electric control means remotely located with respect to said carriage and connected to said fluid flow control valve means,

(d) a controller mounted on said carriage,

(e) said controller comprising (1) a controller shaft connected to be rotated upon rotation of said set shaft,

(2) a tripping means supported for linear movement,

(3) means interconnecting the controller shaft and tripping means so that rotation of the controller shaft will cause linear movement of the tripping means, and

(4) at least one normally closed switch electrically connected to said electric control means and said electrically actuated fluid valve means and spaced from said tripping means,

(5) said switch having electric contact breaking means disposed in the path of linear travel of said tripping means so that upon engagement of the tripping means with said breaking means the switch is opened and the fluid valve is actu- 8 ated to a closed position to effect cessation of operation of said rotary motor.

2. A remote controlled setwork for a sawmill having a stationary saw and a log supporting and holding carriage mounted for reciprocative movement relative to said saw to effect cutting of a log and comprising log holding means linearly moved by rotation of a set shaft, the remote controlled setwork comprising (a) a reversible pressurized fluid actuated rotary motor connected to rotate said set shaft and mounted on said carriage,

(b) electrically actuated fluid flow control valve means for controlling forward and reverse operation of said motor disposed adjacent said motor,

(0) electric control means remotely located with respect to the carriage connected to a source of electric current and to said fluid flow control valve means,

(d) a controller mounted on said carriage and comprising (1) a controller shaft connected to said set shaft to be rotated by the latter,

(2) a tripping means supported for linear movement,

(3) means interconnecting the controller shaft and tripping means so that rotation of the controller shaft will cause linear movement of the tripping means,

(4) a plurality of switches spaced difierent linear distances from said tripping means,

(5) each of said plurality of switches being normally closed and electrically connected into the circuit of said electric control means and said fluid flow control valve means,

(6) each of said plurality of switches having contact breaking means in the path of linear movement of the tripping means to be engaged by the latter and actuated to open the circuit between the electric control means and the fluid flow control valve means to cause the latter to move to a closed position and effect cessation of operation of said motor,

(c) said electric control means including means for selectively connecting one of said plurality of controller switches into said circuit between the electric control means and the electrically actuated flow control valve means.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said controller switches are arranged side by side parallel with the longitudinal axis of the controller shaft and said tripping means is a bar extending parallel to said controller shaft.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said interconnecting means comprises a gear rack carrying said tripping means and supported for linear movement and a pinion gear connected for rotation by said controller shaft and in mesh with said gear rack.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein means is provided to bias said tripping means in a neutral position and return the same to such neutral position after each linear movement thereof.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said switches are adjustably supported for positioning relative to the tripping means and each other.

7. A remote controlled setwork for a sawmill having a stationary saw and a reciprocating log supporting and holding carriage comprising log holding means linearly movable by rotation of a set shaft, the remote controlled setwork comprising (a) a reversible compressed air rotary motor connected to rotate said set shaft and mounted on said carriage,

(b) electrical solenoid actuated air flow control valve means for controlling operation of the air motor in either a forward or reverse direction,

(c) electric control means, including a selector switch means, remotely located with respect to the carriage and connected to a source of electric current and to said air flow control valve means,

(d) a controller mounted on said carriage and comprising (1) a housing,

(2) a controller shaft supported for rotation in said housing and connected to be rotated by rotation of the set shaft,

(3) a gear rack supported within said housing for linear movement normal to and relative to the longitudinal axis of the controller shaft,

(4) a pinion gear connected to said set shaft for conjoined rotation with the latter and in mesh with the gear rack to cause the latter to move linearly when the controller shaft rotates,

(5) a tripping bar carried by the gear rack and extending normalto the gear rack,

(6) a plurality of setting switches supported in said housing transversely of the gear rack and in different linear spaced relation to the tripping bar in the neutral position,

(7) each of said setting switches having a contact breaking means disposed in the path of linear movement of the tripping bar so that upon engagement by the latter the setting switches will be actuated to an open position,

(8) each of said plurality of setting switches being in a normally closed position and electrically connected into the circuit of said electric control means and the electric solenoid air flow control valve means so that upon actuation of the contact breaking means by the tripping bar the solenoid air fiow control valve means is de-energized and the latter closes, ceasing operation of the motor,

(9) a biasing means for urging said gear rack and the tripping bar carried thereon in a neutral starting position and to return the gear rack and tripping bar to the neutral starting position after each linear movement thereof,

(e) said selector switch means of the electric control means being constructed and arranged to connect one of said plurality of setting switches into said circuit between the electric control means and the solenoid air flow control valve means so that only the selected setting switch will be effective to open the circuit and cause the air flow control valve means to stop compressed air flow to the motor and thereby operation of the motor. a

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said biasing means comprises a cylinder-piston, compressed air mechanism which receives compressed air on one side of the piston with the opposite side vented to atmosphere.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein each of said setting switches is adjustably supported in said housing for positioning relative to the tripping bar and to each other.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein a safety switch is supported in said controller housing in the path of movement of the tripping bar to open the circuit and stop the motor in the event the tripping bar fails to open the setting switch selected by adjustment of said selector switch means.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein an electric-magnetic brake is connected to the air motor drive shaft which, when energized, prevents rotation of the drive shaft and hence'the set shaft until the circuit between the electric control means and the soelnoid air flow control valve means is closed.

12. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said controller shaft is rotatively connected to the set shaft through an electro-magnetic clutch which, when energized, drivably connects the controller shaft to the set shaft, the electromagnetic clutch being electrically connected in the circuit between the electrical control means and the solenoid actuated air flow control valve means.

13. In a sawmill having a stationary saw and a log supporting and holding carriage supported for reciprocative movement relative to said saw to effect cutting of a log and comprising knees linearly movable by rotation of a set shaft, a remote controlled setwork comprising (a) a reversible compressed air rotary motor connected to rotate the set shaft in either a forward or reverse direction,

(b) a forward solenoid actuated air flow control valve for effecting forward rotation of the air motor,

(c) a reverse solenoid actuated air flow control valve for effecting reverse rotation of the air motor,

(d) an electric control means remotely disposed with respect to the carriage,

(c) said electric control means being connected to a source of electrical power and comprising (1) a forward switch electrically interconnected with the forward solenoid air flow control valve,

(2) a reverse switch electrically interconnected with the reverse solenoid air flow control valve,

(3) a set switch electrically connected with the forward solenoid air flow control valve,

(4) a selector switch,

(f) a controller mounted on said carriage and comprising (l) a housing,

(2) a controller shaft supported for rotation in said housing and connected to be rotated by rotation of the set shaft,

(3) a tripping means supported in said housing for linear movement from a neutral position in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the controller shaft,

(4) means interconnecting the controller shaft and the tripping means so that rotation of the controller shaft effects linear movement of the tripping means,

(5) a pluralityof setting switches supported in said housing normal to the path of linear movement of the tripping means and in different spaced relationship to the neutral position of the tripping means,

(6) each of said setting switches having an electrical contact breaking means disposed in the path of linear movement of the tripping means so that upon engagement by the latter the setting switches will be actuated to an open position,

(7) each of said setting switches being in a normally closed contact position and electrically connected into the set switch, forward solenoid air flow control valve and selector switch circuit so that when the tripping means engages the breaker contact means and opens the circuit the forward solenoid air flow control valve is deenergized and moves to a closed position to stop operation of the compressed air motor,

(g) said selector switch being constructed and arranged to selectively connect one of said plurality of setting switches into said electrical circuit interconnecting the set switch and forward solenoid air flow control valve so that only the selected setting switch will be operative to open the circuit and cause the forward air flow control valve to close and cease operation of the motor.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein means for disconnecting the controller shaft from the set shaft becomes effective upon a setting switch opening the electrical circuit, and a biasing means connected to the tripping means returns the latter to its neutral position.

15. A remote controlled setwork for a sawmill having a stationary saw and a log supporting and holding carriage mounted for reciprocative movement relative to said saw to effect cutting of a log and comprising log holding means linearly moved by rotation of a set shaft, the remote controlled setwork comprising (a) pressurized fluid actuated motor means connected to rotate the set shaft,

(b) electrically actuated valve means for controlling flow of pressurized fluid to said motor means,

(0) an electric control means remotely located with respect to said carriage and connected to said fluid flow control valve,

(d) a controller mounted on said carriage,

(e) said controller comprising (1) a controller shaft connected to be rotated upon rotation of said set shaft,

(2) a tripping means supported for linear movement,

(3) means interconnecting the controller shaft and tripping means so that rotation of the controller shaft will cause linear movement of the tripping means, and

(4) electric switch means electrically connected to said electric control means and said electrically actuated valve means and spaced from said tripping means,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Balch et al. Worth et al. Elworthy. Stephens. Good et al.

WILLIAM W. DYER, JR., Primary Examiner.

W. D. BRAY, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A REMOTE CONTROLLED SETWORK FOR A SAWMILL HAVING A STATIONARY SAW AND A LOG SUPPORTING AND HOLDING CARRIAGE MOUNTED FOR RECIPROCATIVE MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO SAID SAW TO EFFECT CUTTING OF A LOG AND COMPRISING LOG HOLDING MEANS LINEARLY MOVED BY ROTATION OF A SET SHAFT, THE REMOTE CONTROLLED SETWORK COMPRISING (A) A PRESSURIZED FLUID ACTUATED ROTARY MOTOR CONNECTED TO ROTATE SAID SET SHAFT, (B) ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED FLUID FLOW CONTROL VALVE MEANS FOR CONTROLLING FLOW OF PRESSURIZED FLUID TO SAID MOTOR, (C) AN ELECTRIC CONTROL MEANS REMOTELY LOCATED WITH RESPECT TO SAID CARRIAGE AND CONNECTED TO SAID FLUID FLOW CONTROL VALVE MEANS, (D) A CONTROLLER MOUNTED ON SAID CARRIAGE, (E) SAID CONTROLLER COMPRISING (1) A CONTROLLER SHAFT CONNECTED TO BE ROTATED UPON ROTATION OF SAID SET SHAFT, (2) A TRIPPING MEANS SUPPORTED FOR LINEAR MOVEMENT, (3) MEANS INTERCONNECTING THE CONTROLLER SHAFT AND TRIPPING MEANS SO THAT ROTATION OF THE CONTROLLER SHAFT WILL CAUSE LINEAR MOVEMENT OF THE TRIPPING MEANS, AND (4) AT LEAST ONE NORMALLY CLOSED SWITCH ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO SAID ELECTRIC CONTROL MEANS AND SAID ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED FLUID VALVE MEANS AND SPACED FROM SAID TRIPPING MEANS, (5) SAID SWITCH HAVING ELECTRIC CONTACT BREAKING MEANS DISPOSED IN THE PATH OF LINEAR TRAVEL OF SAID TRIPPING MEANS SO THAT UPON ENGAGEMENT OF THE TRIPPING MEANS WITH SAID BREAKING MEANS THE SWITCH IS OPENED AND THE FLUID VALVE IS ACTUATED TO A CLOSED POSITION TO EFFECT CESSATION OF OPERATION OF SAID ROTARY MOTOR. 